Friday, December 12, 2014
Merry Xmas 2014!
Salem, Oregon December 2014.
2014 is coming to an end and we sure enjoyed every minute of it! So much fun and so many memories. We started our year with a trip to Utah in January we had a fabulous time with family and friends.
Our spring was busy, busy, busy. Ingrid completed another series of certifications and she is now also a certified BARRE Instructor and she has enjoyed teaching this new format.We also enjoyed celebrating our Goddaughter, Allie's 1st birthday. She is getting cutter and cutter by the minute.
Summer was wonderful. We went on a trip to England exploring the southern part of the country for one week and enjoying the sights in London for another week. We were also able to spend some time in Central Oregon at one of our favorite places, enjoying some hiking, biking and swimming.
Fall came and Leon and Ingrid had the opportunity to spend time in Scotland. Ingrid has always been fascinated with the country of Scotland and she was mesmerized by the rich history.
Indeed a wonderful and unforgettable trip.
We had a very untraditional and fantastic Thanksgiving, basking in the sun and enjoying the sound of the waves in Hawaii with our boys, Christopher and Alexandro. It was hard to leave.... after all the ice storms and cold weather we had been having in Salem. We all enjoyed it very much! It was definitely a very welcoming and pleasant change of scenery for the whole family.
Christopher has been doing phenomenally at Northwestern University. He enjoys his classes and professors very much and is at the moment exploring the possibility of doing a Study abroad. We are very happy for him and anxiously waiting for him to come home for Christmas, and he is also!
Alexandro has gotten his driver's license and is enjoying his "freedom". He has recently taken his ACT and SAT tests and he did very well on both. He is enjoying going to a club after school and is also involved in his church youth group activities. We are also so very proud of him and happy to see his confidence grow and blessed to have such a phenomenal young man for a son.
We are so very grateful for our Savior and the wonderful gift that He is to us. Our lives are so blessed for the knowledge we have of Him and the peace and love He brings into our home.
He has blessed us with so much joy and love.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Love - Leon, Ingrid, Christopher and Alexandro.
Monday, June 24, 2013
bit of News :)
May 5, 2013
Dear family and friends!
I hope that this letter finds everyone doing well. The first several months of the year have gone by quite fast for us.
January was a relatively quiet month for us. The weather is usually rainy and so we tend to stay indoors quite a bit. Ingrid did manage to make it up to Central Oregon at the end of the month for a weekend getaway with some of her friends. She stayed at Black Butte Ranch. While she was away Christopher, Alexandro, and I hung out at the house watching movies and eating popcorn. Our movie them for the weekend was Clint Eastwood movies, so it was a lot of fun.
In February we celebrated Ingrid's birthday. We went out to eat at Outback Steakhouse, our traditional birthday dinner restaurant. Other than that, we just had a small party for Ingrid. The remainder of the month was relatively low-key.
In the month of March we took a spring break trip to Florida. Since it is Christopher senior year of high school, we let him pick the location. He decided that we would go to Harry Potter World in Orlando Florida as a family. We had a great time. We left Oregon and the temperature was about 60° in Oregon and a little rainy. When we got to Florida, the temperature was about the same. During our week there they had some record cold temperatures, however, it wasn't too bad since it was sunny every day and there was no rain. We had a really great time. It was neat to see all the Harry Potter themed buildings and rides. They also had a Harry Potter themed restaurant. It was interesting to see that a lot of the visitors were from England, flying all the way from England to Florida to visit Harry Potter World, which ironically is set in rural England in the books. We also got to ride a lot of the other Rides. It is actually combination of two parks. There is Universal Studios and next to it is “islands of Adventure” which contains Harry Potter World. All in all, it was a great trip and we had a fun time as a family. One of the highlights of the trip was eating out at a Brazilian Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse – all you can eat)(Translated to “Schloss Korea” by Seri on my Iphone – I don’t thinks she is familiar with Portuguese!! The steak was fantastic and we ate too much, as always.
In the month of April the kids got back to school work after spring break. This was a nervous month for Christopher. He received responses back from his college applications. He was very excited to be accepted to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In order to help him make his final decision as to where he wanted to attend college, we made a trip out to Chicago to visit the campus of Northwestern University. Christopher and I flew out on a Sunday and returned on a Tuesday evening. On Monday they had a program for prospective freshman to show them around campus. He really enjoyed his visit and felt right at home at the campus there. We were also able to spend some time in downtown Chicago visiting the sites in going to the Art Institute of Chicago. It is a very interesting city with a lot of things to do. Evanston, where the university is located, is in a northern suburb of Chicago and a nice safe city to live in. It is located 30 minutes from downtown Chicago if you ride the elevated train. Needless to say, Christopher has decided to attend Northwestern University this fall and we are very excited for him. It should be a great experience and he is anxious to get to know the city of Chicago and experience college life.
Now, I will tell you little bit about what each person is doing along with the previous itinerary of activities of the last couple of months.
Alexandro continues to work hard in school and is doing quite well. One of his favorite classes is computer-assisted design. He gets to work with computers as well as drawing, two things that he enjoys. He's also keeps busy in his church calling. He is first counselor in the teacher’s quorum. He also just started his Eagle project and will be finishing up at the end of May. He is collecting donations for local charity, Family Building Blocks. They help at risk children and families break the cycle of poverty and child abuse. He already has all the merit badges that he needs for his Eagle Scout award, so he just needs to finish his Eagle project. He is pretty excited about getting this award and finishing up the scouting requirements. We are quite excited as his parents as well. It takes a lot of effort and work from all involved.
Christopher has been very busy these last several months applying to colleges around the country. We took a couple of visits to different schools. I think that Northwestern University will be a very good fit for him. Sorry to those of you who are BYU fans, I don't think that BYU was in the cards. He has been quite busy with his schoolwork as well, since he is taking numerous AP classes which require him to do a lot of studying. However, he has done well keeping his grades up and was named Academic All-Star at his high school. This award goes to the top ranked senior at the high school, academically. We are very proud of him for earning this award.
Ingrid continues to stay busy teaching her fitness classes as well as doing training in Stott Pilates. She has to travel to Portland quite often to take training classes. She is also second counselor in the young women's presidency in our ward and is in charge of the beehives, young girls ages 12 And 13. She enjoys the calling and has a fun time interacting with young women.
Leon continues to keep busy with work, his church calling and trying to keep track of everyone else in the family.
We look forward to reading all your letters and see how everyone is doing. Take care and hope that we will see most of you at the family reunion this summer. It should be a great time.
Love, The Oregon Burrows Clan.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Easter!!!!! Memories of Ingrid's childhood =;)
But mother why can’t I be Mary?
Because someone else was already chosen and you do a good job being an Apostle.
I sat on the floor watching my brother try his angel outfit on, all in white, it didn’t seem fair. He even had wings made with real chicken feathers, tears came rolling down my face, I was devastated. I tried hopelessly to convince my mother that I had to be Virgin Mary for the Easter presentation at the church.
After all I new exactly how to hold a baby and how to sit properly with my legs crossed. I had long curly hair that would look beautiful in a long braid. I went on and on, and on. Finally, my mother looked at me and asked:
- Can you focus on the true meaning of all of this work?
I just sat their totally confused, Thinking to myself, where did this come from? Are we talking about the same thing here?
After a long silence, my mother stood up and walked away, my brother was thrilled of the idea that I had crossed the Line and that I was definitely in big trouble. He loved to tease me and he sure did.
I felt really bad and went after my mother; I decided that I needed to apologize.
I found my mother looking in her closet for something. I was very sure that she was trying to decide a way to punish me and couldn’t figure out when or how.
Here it is, She exclaimed with tears in her eyes. She showed me a book very old and torn, she opened and started reading.
Unfortunately I do not have that book but this last week I came across a children’s book that is very much like the one that my mother read to me and I would like to share it with you. It is called Easter - By Gail Gibbons.
Book
Just think of the joy that you will bring to others by doing this. My mother told me as she gave me a big hug.
My parents were both Catholics and loved to help the church. They participated in a lot of the activities and helped many people. They spent hours preparing everything for the Easter presentation because for them Easter was the most important holiday of the year.
The Easter program was held the week before Easter since most people would be out of town on Easter Sunday.
On Saturday the week before, we presented the scene of the crucifixion and resurrection
Sure enough that evening there I was dressed as an Apostle at the scene of the last supper having my feet washed. I was the happiest 8 years old in that room.
On Sunday my mother made sure we prepared ourselves spiritually for the next week. Usually we fasted until Monday and we ate fish to remember the Savior. A popular dish in Brazil is Bacalhau. (Salted cod Fish cooked with peppers, potatoes and spices).
After the fast it was time to start packing. We were going on a 12-hour trip to Bras Pirez, Minas Gerais. A little town that is not even on the map, but I can assure you that it does exist. We were going to My Grandparents’ home for the Easter Festival.
Sure enough Tuesday morning around 2:30 AM my Dad would get us out of bed to help him pack the Avocado Green Volkswagen, he did not like driving with the crazy rush hour of Sao Paulo that usually starts around 4:30 AM.
My mother had a basket of her homemade goodies that she prepared specially for the trip. My sister, my brother, I and our little dog Sissy (the baby of the family) would all sit in the back seat.
And we were off Singing and telling jokes. Around breakfast time my mother would give us some bread with salami and fresh fruits.
As I look back, I realize that Getting there was very challenging. We would drive for miles on dirt roads sometimes we had to stop and wait for the ranchers to move the cattle across the road, at one occasion our car fell in a huge hole.
I just remember bumping my head on the roof of the car and hearing my mother’s screams, which was definitely no way to wake up your child.
We all had to get out of the car and help my dad push the vehicle across this vast crater to continue our trip.
After the ordeal was over we realized that the rains had caused the hole. The reason for that hole in the middle of the road was no other than that the bridge was washed away and there was no money to build another bridge or to place warning signs on the roadside.
Boy we were all so anxious to get to Grandma’s house.
The Easter Festival was almost like a harvest fest. It was a time to thank the Lord for all the crops and abundance of food. People would decorate their homes and the streets.
In the center of town there was the Praca (a big park with a beautiful fountain in the center) and there some families would make beautiful pictures on the ground with grains, rice, beans, corn. They would color them in different colors and create portraits of the Savior and the different passages of the New Testament.
All the families had lots of cooking and talking to do so everyone spent most of their time in the kitchen. The kids loved to watch the adults chase the pig that they were trying to catch and butcher for our Easter meal, my parents would get so dirty and tired.
After all that exercise and the pig was finally cut up it was time to prepare the meat. Everyone got involved. We would make sausages and season the ham; we would laugh so hard recounting the pig’s chase.
My grandma was the quitandeira, the baker for the town. Most people would place orders for her cakes and Famous biscoitos and Broa de Milho, a kind of corn bread.
Grandma had a brick oven outside the house. Every time she had to go outside to get a new batch, my cousins and I would sneak into the kitchen and steal some goodies.
Little did we know that grandma was very aware of us and that she always made extras. Grandma was also a very strong Christian; she never missed church and prayed frequently. She loved to sing hyms and would never forget her black veil that she wore in church.
Saturday the night before Easter everyone in the little town of Braz Pires went on the procession I loved to hear all the people singing hyms and carrying their candles in the dark. The city looked so beautiful.
It was a reverent time, a time for meditation, a time when all the family was together thanking the savior.
Sunday morning we would get up and get ready for church. We would wear our new Easter outfits and most people that lived in town would walk the narrow cobblestone streets while the church bells rang calling everyone to come to mass.
After church we had a wonderful Easter Lunch. People sat everywhere, there were so many of us. After the meal the kids would go play outside and climb on the Mango, orange and papaya trees, while the adults would take their naps. My mother sometimes would sit on the veranda and play her guitar.
In the afternoon my grandma would call all the kids to come and sit with her while she told us a story.
My Grandma could not read Portuguese. You see she was Italian, but she could speak Portuguese very well. Sometimes my older cousins would help her with her pronunciation, I loved her accent.
We had done this many times before and knew exactly what she was going to say, but we still loved to hear it from her lips.
Bambinos, bambinos, this is my favorite story so listen carefully.
Book.
That was the last time that my Grandmother told us that story that she loved so much. I miss her very much I love her for her example. My family helped me to know the savior when I was very young and they also helped me to nourish that knowledge.
I treasure those moments in my heart dearly. As you see I came from a very different background but I was taught to love the Savior just the same way that you were.
I am very thankful for family traditions, for a family that placed Jesus Christ in the center of our lives.
I remember asking my grandma if Jesus could visit other places and she would always say: -
If you and your parents traveled so far to see me, don’t you think that Jesus would do the same to visit those people that he loves?
The first time that I read the book of Mormon it changed my life and also brought me the answer that I wanted my grandma to give me for so long.
I love reading about the savior’s visit to the Americas found in 3 Nephi 11: 1 – 17.
1 AND now it came to pass that there were a great multitude agathered• together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land bBountiful•; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the cgreat• and marvelous change which had taken place.
2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the asign• had been given concerning his death.
3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a avoice• as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a bsmall• voice it did cpierce• them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they aunderstood• it not.
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did aopen• their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
7 Behold my aBeloved• Son, bin• whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they asaw• a Man bdescending• out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.
9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:
10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.
11 And behold, I am the alight and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter bcup• which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in ctaking• upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the dwill• of the Father in all things from the beginning.
12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude afell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been bprophesied• among them that Christ should cshow• himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.
13 And it came to pass that the aLord spake unto them saying:
14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may athrust• your hands into my side, and also that ye may bfeel• the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the cGod• of Israel, and the God of the whole dearth•, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and adid• feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did aworship him.
Indeed - Hosanna! Bless the name of the most high. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Because someone else was already chosen and you do a good job being an Apostle.
I sat on the floor watching my brother try his angel outfit on, all in white, it didn’t seem fair. He even had wings made with real chicken feathers, tears came rolling down my face, I was devastated. I tried hopelessly to convince my mother that I had to be Virgin Mary for the Easter presentation at the church.
After all I new exactly how to hold a baby and how to sit properly with my legs crossed. I had long curly hair that would look beautiful in a long braid. I went on and on, and on. Finally, my mother looked at me and asked:
- Can you focus on the true meaning of all of this work?
I just sat their totally confused, Thinking to myself, where did this come from? Are we talking about the same thing here?
After a long silence, my mother stood up and walked away, my brother was thrilled of the idea that I had crossed the Line and that I was definitely in big trouble. He loved to tease me and he sure did.
I felt really bad and went after my mother; I decided that I needed to apologize.
I found my mother looking in her closet for something. I was very sure that she was trying to decide a way to punish me and couldn’t figure out when or how.
Here it is, She exclaimed with tears in her eyes. She showed me a book very old and torn, she opened and started reading.
Unfortunately I do not have that book but this last week I came across a children’s book that is very much like the one that my mother read to me and I would like to share it with you. It is called Easter - By Gail Gibbons.
Book
Just think of the joy that you will bring to others by doing this. My mother told me as she gave me a big hug.
My parents were both Catholics and loved to help the church. They participated in a lot of the activities and helped many people. They spent hours preparing everything for the Easter presentation because for them Easter was the most important holiday of the year.
The Easter program was held the week before Easter since most people would be out of town on Easter Sunday.
On Saturday the week before, we presented the scene of the crucifixion and resurrection
Sure enough that evening there I was dressed as an Apostle at the scene of the last supper having my feet washed. I was the happiest 8 years old in that room.
On Sunday my mother made sure we prepared ourselves spiritually for the next week. Usually we fasted until Monday and we ate fish to remember the Savior. A popular dish in Brazil is Bacalhau. (Salted cod Fish cooked with peppers, potatoes and spices).
After the fast it was time to start packing. We were going on a 12-hour trip to Bras Pirez, Minas Gerais. A little town that is not even on the map, but I can assure you that it does exist. We were going to My Grandparents’ home for the Easter Festival.
Sure enough Tuesday morning around 2:30 AM my Dad would get us out of bed to help him pack the Avocado Green Volkswagen, he did not like driving with the crazy rush hour of Sao Paulo that usually starts around 4:30 AM.
My mother had a basket of her homemade goodies that she prepared specially for the trip. My sister, my brother, I and our little dog Sissy (the baby of the family) would all sit in the back seat.
And we were off Singing and telling jokes. Around breakfast time my mother would give us some bread with salami and fresh fruits.
As I look back, I realize that Getting there was very challenging. We would drive for miles on dirt roads sometimes we had to stop and wait for the ranchers to move the cattle across the road, at one occasion our car fell in a huge hole.
I just remember bumping my head on the roof of the car and hearing my mother’s screams, which was definitely no way to wake up your child.
We all had to get out of the car and help my dad push the vehicle across this vast crater to continue our trip.
After the ordeal was over we realized that the rains had caused the hole. The reason for that hole in the middle of the road was no other than that the bridge was washed away and there was no money to build another bridge or to place warning signs on the roadside.
Boy we were all so anxious to get to Grandma’s house.
The Easter Festival was almost like a harvest fest. It was a time to thank the Lord for all the crops and abundance of food. People would decorate their homes and the streets.
In the center of town there was the Praca (a big park with a beautiful fountain in the center) and there some families would make beautiful pictures on the ground with grains, rice, beans, corn. They would color them in different colors and create portraits of the Savior and the different passages of the New Testament.
All the families had lots of cooking and talking to do so everyone spent most of their time in the kitchen. The kids loved to watch the adults chase the pig that they were trying to catch and butcher for our Easter meal, my parents would get so dirty and tired.
After all that exercise and the pig was finally cut up it was time to prepare the meat. Everyone got involved. We would make sausages and season the ham; we would laugh so hard recounting the pig’s chase.
My grandma was the quitandeira, the baker for the town. Most people would place orders for her cakes and Famous biscoitos and Broa de Milho, a kind of corn bread.
Grandma had a brick oven outside the house. Every time she had to go outside to get a new batch, my cousins and I would sneak into the kitchen and steal some goodies.
Little did we know that grandma was very aware of us and that she always made extras. Grandma was also a very strong Christian; she never missed church and prayed frequently. She loved to sing hyms and would never forget her black veil that she wore in church.
Saturday the night before Easter everyone in the little town of Braz Pires went on the procession I loved to hear all the people singing hyms and carrying their candles in the dark. The city looked so beautiful.
It was a reverent time, a time for meditation, a time when all the family was together thanking the savior.
Sunday morning we would get up and get ready for church. We would wear our new Easter outfits and most people that lived in town would walk the narrow cobblestone streets while the church bells rang calling everyone to come to mass.
After church we had a wonderful Easter Lunch. People sat everywhere, there were so many of us. After the meal the kids would go play outside and climb on the Mango, orange and papaya trees, while the adults would take their naps. My mother sometimes would sit on the veranda and play her guitar.
In the afternoon my grandma would call all the kids to come and sit with her while she told us a story.
My Grandma could not read Portuguese. You see she was Italian, but she could speak Portuguese very well. Sometimes my older cousins would help her with her pronunciation, I loved her accent.
We had done this many times before and knew exactly what she was going to say, but we still loved to hear it from her lips.
Bambinos, bambinos, this is my favorite story so listen carefully.
Book.
That was the last time that my Grandmother told us that story that she loved so much. I miss her very much I love her for her example. My family helped me to know the savior when I was very young and they also helped me to nourish that knowledge.
I treasure those moments in my heart dearly. As you see I came from a very different background but I was taught to love the Savior just the same way that you were.
I am very thankful for family traditions, for a family that placed Jesus Christ in the center of our lives.
I remember asking my grandma if Jesus could visit other places and she would always say: -
If you and your parents traveled so far to see me, don’t you think that Jesus would do the same to visit those people that he loves?
The first time that I read the book of Mormon it changed my life and also brought me the answer that I wanted my grandma to give me for so long.
I love reading about the savior’s visit to the Americas found in 3 Nephi 11: 1 – 17.
1 AND now it came to pass that there were a great multitude agathered• together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land bBountiful•; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the cgreat• and marvelous change which had taken place.
2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the asign• had been given concerning his death.
3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a avoice• as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a bsmall• voice it did cpierce• them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they aunderstood• it not.
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did aopen• their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
7 Behold my aBeloved• Son, bin• whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they asaw• a Man bdescending• out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.
9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:
10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.
11 And behold, I am the alight and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter bcup• which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in ctaking• upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the dwill• of the Father in all things from the beginning.
12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude afell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been bprophesied• among them that Christ should cshow• himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.
13 And it came to pass that the aLord spake unto them saying:
14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may athrust• your hands into my side, and also that ye may bfeel• the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the cGod• of Israel, and the God of the whole dearth•, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and adid• feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did aworship him.
Indeed - Hosanna! Bless the name of the most high. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
September 11Th 2011
The calamity of September 11th, 2001 has cast a long shadow. Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lost lives and broken hearts. It is an episode of anguish that has become a defining moment in the history of the American nation and the world. This week, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, along with Tom Brokaw, will pay its own homage to the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001.
There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.
Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed. Healing has come with time, but so has indifference. We forget how vulnerable and sorrowful we felt. Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well.
Our Father’s commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers. Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us. He has promised us that this will never change.
But we are less faithful than He is. By nature we are vain, frail, and foolish. We sometimes neglect God. Sometimes we fail to keep the commandments that He gives us to make us happy. Sometimes we fail to commune with Him in prayer. Sometimes we forget to succor the poor and the downtrodden who are also His children. And our forgetfulness is very much to our detriment.
If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us. We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. We too should be with Him in every season.
The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. We truly “need Him every hour,” not just in hours of devastation. We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men. We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed.
It is constancy that God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm.
Thomas S. Monson is president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.
Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed. Healing has come with time, but so has indifference. We forget how vulnerable and sorrowful we felt. Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well.
Our Father’s commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers. Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us. He has promised us that this will never change.
But we are less faithful than He is. By nature we are vain, frail, and foolish. We sometimes neglect God. Sometimes we fail to keep the commandments that He gives us to make us happy. Sometimes we fail to commune with Him in prayer. Sometimes we forget to succor the poor and the downtrodden who are also His children. And our forgetfulness is very much to our detriment.
If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us. We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. We too should be with Him in every season.
The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. We truly “need Him every hour,” not just in hours of devastation. We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men. We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed.
It is constancy that God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm.
Thomas S. Monson is president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Bon Voyage Christopher
Today was a hard day........We drove Christopher to the airport for his trip to France. He is so happy and ready for the new adventure... You can follow up on this blog put together by his teachers.
Christopher will spend a month with the Vanderschooten Family in the North of France in Villeneuve-d'Ascq
http://www.skinfrance.blogspot.com
Christopher will spend a month with the Vanderschooten Family in the North of France in Villeneuve-d'Ascq
http://www.skinfrance.blogspot.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christopher's English Paper..... Amazing he wrote it in 20 minutes!!!
Chris Burrows
12-15-10
Period 7
Many are called, but few are chosen to be knights. For a true knight is not merely the shine of armor, nor a clang of the sword. Any man may don armor, wield a sword, and mount a steed. The true value of a knight, yea, what sets him apart from a common foot-soldier is what lies in his heart. Courage, bravery, honor. Yet it is neither how well he fights in battle nor how fearlessly he faces the terrible claws of the dragon in his mountain lair that determines his worthiness to be called a knight. It is the faith in God, the commitment to purity, the strive to bring about morality and righteousness to a world which is held firmly in the grasp of anarchy and terror, to be the light and example to those who live in darkness. The true weapon of a knight is of no carnal fashioning. It is no crude metal spike or club. The true weapon of a knight is the sword of righteousness, and his armor, the impenetrable armor of God. I therefore beseech whosoever desires to take upon him the title of knight, that he first swear his oath of allegiance to God to obey his commandments unto men, to love thy neighbor, and to live a life in accordance in every way with his will. By taking this oath upon themselves they assure the world that the chivalry and purity of the Knights of God will last far beyond their mortal years. They assure the heavens that there are still those on earth who hold true to the values of morality and chivalry. That God may know that although the swords of this age will rust and the castles will fall, even though the kings and nobles are done away and all that is now great and beautiful will fade into myth, that the light of His Knights still shines. That although we have passed on, their will always be a knight in this world who believes in Camelot.
12-15-10
Period 7
Many are called, but few are chosen to be knights. For a true knight is not merely the shine of armor, nor a clang of the sword. Any man may don armor, wield a sword, and mount a steed. The true value of a knight, yea, what sets him apart from a common foot-soldier is what lies in his heart. Courage, bravery, honor. Yet it is neither how well he fights in battle nor how fearlessly he faces the terrible claws of the dragon in his mountain lair that determines his worthiness to be called a knight. It is the faith in God, the commitment to purity, the strive to bring about morality and righteousness to a world which is held firmly in the grasp of anarchy and terror, to be the light and example to those who live in darkness. The true weapon of a knight is of no carnal fashioning. It is no crude metal spike or club. The true weapon of a knight is the sword of righteousness, and his armor, the impenetrable armor of God. I therefore beseech whosoever desires to take upon him the title of knight, that he first swear his oath of allegiance to God to obey his commandments unto men, to love thy neighbor, and to live a life in accordance in every way with his will. By taking this oath upon themselves they assure the world that the chivalry and purity of the Knights of God will last far beyond their mortal years. They assure the heavens that there are still those on earth who hold true to the values of morality and chivalry. That God may know that although the swords of this age will rust and the castles will fall, even though the kings and nobles are done away and all that is now great and beautiful will fade into myth, that the light of His Knights still shines. That although we have passed on, their will always be a knight in this world who believes in Camelot.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Christopher for President!!!!
christopher had to wright declaration for Ap Goverment Class and here is what he came up with.
Chris Burrows
Mr. Carnahan
AP Government
27 September 2010
In Response to the Decay of American Society, September 27, 2010
A Declaration by Chris Burrows, assembled in firm consciousness of mind. When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one person to dissolve the political bands which connect him to an ignorant and stupid society, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth his separate station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle him, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that I should declare the causes which impel me to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that all Men are becoming idiots, that they have ignored and blasphemed their Creator, and that they believe that they are endowed to certain rights to be freely given them by their government, that among these are Healthcare, Gay Marriage, and Abortion. That to secure these Rights, they attack those who are opposed to them, harass them, and defile their places of worship. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce what small number of thinking people remain in this nation under absolute Despotism by a group of so called Americans who are neither enlightened nor Despots, it is their right it is their duty to Wake Up the World to this conflict of Justice and of Basic Morality to defend both before they are completely crushed beneath the heels of those who profess to defend the same, such is the necessity which constrains me to this act of separation. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a supposedly candid World.
Whatever divine providence that was bestowed upon this nation in its inception is in danger of being revoked completely, for the people of this nation have forgotten all respect or reverence to that Supreme Being which grants them the breath to utter their accusations against Him.
The “Americans” of modern times are lead away into dead-end paths, pursuing immorality, profanity, blasphemy, and intoxication. The future of this nation, rests in their hands which are already full with a cell phone in one hand and whatever intoxicating substance in the other.
They have taken up their pursuit of being “individuals” by behaving and dressing exactly like all the other stupid, ignorant, “individuals” around them.
Their moral compass has been ripped apart, smashed, disregarded, and thrown away.
The society in which we live is quite frankly becoming an embarrassment to our founding fathers’ ideals, on which this country was supposed to be functioning on.
The churches of this nation who still hold to the Pure Word of God have been ridiculed, attacked, and insulted by society and by Other Churches in a manner that is neither Christian nor brotherly.
Other Churches have bent and twisted their doctrine so as to become accepted by this degenerated and ignorant nation, losing all divine power or spiritual truth in the process.
The proclaimed “opened minded” liberals of this country have proven to be some of the most closed-minded, illogical, and un-progressive people this nation has ever seen.
The education of this population is frankly pathetic, and throwing more money at this problem will do nothing to fix it.
More Government Programs are instituted for the purpose of wasting money and driving society backwards.
We must therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold the rest of the population of this nation as ignorant, whose only “progress” is backwards.
I therefore, appeal to the Supreme Judge of the World for Rectitude of my Intentions, and do so in the Name, and by the authority of the Principles upon which this nation, The United States of America was founded. And for support of this declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, I pledge my Life, my Fortitude, and My sacred Honor.
Chris Burrows
Mr. Carnahan
AP Government
27 September 2010
In Response to the Decay of American Society, September 27, 2010
A Declaration by Chris Burrows, assembled in firm consciousness of mind. When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one person to dissolve the political bands which connect him to an ignorant and stupid society, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth his separate station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle him, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that I should declare the causes which impel me to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that all Men are becoming idiots, that they have ignored and blasphemed their Creator, and that they believe that they are endowed to certain rights to be freely given them by their government, that among these are Healthcare, Gay Marriage, and Abortion. That to secure these Rights, they attack those who are opposed to them, harass them, and defile their places of worship. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce what small number of thinking people remain in this nation under absolute Despotism by a group of so called Americans who are neither enlightened nor Despots, it is their right it is their duty to Wake Up the World to this conflict of Justice and of Basic Morality to defend both before they are completely crushed beneath the heels of those who profess to defend the same, such is the necessity which constrains me to this act of separation. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a supposedly candid World.
Whatever divine providence that was bestowed upon this nation in its inception is in danger of being revoked completely, for the people of this nation have forgotten all respect or reverence to that Supreme Being which grants them the breath to utter their accusations against Him.
The “Americans” of modern times are lead away into dead-end paths, pursuing immorality, profanity, blasphemy, and intoxication. The future of this nation, rests in their hands which are already full with a cell phone in one hand and whatever intoxicating substance in the other.
They have taken up their pursuit of being “individuals” by behaving and dressing exactly like all the other stupid, ignorant, “individuals” around them.
Their moral compass has been ripped apart, smashed, disregarded, and thrown away.
The society in which we live is quite frankly becoming an embarrassment to our founding fathers’ ideals, on which this country was supposed to be functioning on.
The churches of this nation who still hold to the Pure Word of God have been ridiculed, attacked, and insulted by society and by Other Churches in a manner that is neither Christian nor brotherly.
Other Churches have bent and twisted their doctrine so as to become accepted by this degenerated and ignorant nation, losing all divine power or spiritual truth in the process.
The proclaimed “opened minded” liberals of this country have proven to be some of the most closed-minded, illogical, and un-progressive people this nation has ever seen.
The education of this population is frankly pathetic, and throwing more money at this problem will do nothing to fix it.
More Government Programs are instituted for the purpose of wasting money and driving society backwards.
We must therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold the rest of the population of this nation as ignorant, whose only “progress” is backwards.
I therefore, appeal to the Supreme Judge of the World for Rectitude of my Intentions, and do so in the Name, and by the authority of the Principles upon which this nation, The United States of America was founded. And for support of this declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, I pledge my Life, my Fortitude, and My sacred Honor.
News
Dear Family,
Another summer seems to have come and gone so quickly. Here in Oregon we have to take maximum advantage since we get quite a bit of rain the rest of the year. This year it seems as if summer ended from one day to the next. One day it was sunny and since it has been cloudy to partly cloudy with rain. Well, whatever the weather is we enjoy our home and just hanging out.
At the beginning of the summer we had the opportunity to take a trip to Brazil to spend time with Ingrid’s family. We spent the last part of June and the first part of July in Brazil, mainly in Sao Paul, except for 5 days that we spent at the beach in Caraguatatuba. All in all, we had a great time watching world cup soccer on Brazilian television, eating awesome food and visiting with family. In August we visited the Highland Burrows as well as the New Harmony Burrows clans. In Highland we got to do some hiking and also see the retaining wall that McKay built for his Eagle project. That was quite a project and we enjoyed that memory of him. We were also able to help a little with the landscaping. Christopher and Alexandro helped Ashton dig some of the holes around the house for the plants to go in. The yard was looking quite nice. Later in August Leon and Alexandro visited Mother and Dad and had a great time. Alexandro particulary enjoyed the new above ground pool. Most of the days we were there, except Sunday, he spent in the pool just playing and having a great time. We were also able to participate in a Family Home Evening with Mother and Dad and their friends. It was a fun group.
Alexandro had just started 7th grade and is attending the same middle school that he went to last year, but he has decided that being a 7th grader is much better than being a 6th grader. He is enjoying his classes and really likes his teachers. He continues to take piano lessons and also practices his electric guitar. One of his favorite activities this summer was a going to a weeklong summer camp on how to make stop-action movies at a local TV station.
Christopher is now in 10th grade and continues to enjoy high school. He has some tough classes, but still has a fun time learning the material. He enjoys his release-time seminary class and I enjoy it too since he doesn’t need to go to early morning seminary. He is also on the soccer team and is the starting varsity goalie. As a parent it is a little nerve-racking, but he does a great job and makes some excellent saves during the games.
Ingrid stays quite busy teaching fitness classes at a local gym. Her main focus is Zumba, which is a fitness class based on latin dance moves. She had a great time attending a International Zumba conference in Florida in August. There were instructors there from all over the world.
Leon continues to work at Salem Radiology with this being his 10th year with the group. Time has sure gone by fast. His church calling also keeps him busy. He was recently called to be the Gospel Doctrine teacher in the ward, so this usually requires several hours of preparation during the week, so that the Sunday lesson goes smoothly.
We look forward to reading your letters and feel free to come visit us anytime.
Love,
Alexandro, Christopher, Ingrid and Leon
Another summer seems to have come and gone so quickly. Here in Oregon we have to take maximum advantage since we get quite a bit of rain the rest of the year. This year it seems as if summer ended from one day to the next. One day it was sunny and since it has been cloudy to partly cloudy with rain. Well, whatever the weather is we enjoy our home and just hanging out.
At the beginning of the summer we had the opportunity to take a trip to Brazil to spend time with Ingrid’s family. We spent the last part of June and the first part of July in Brazil, mainly in Sao Paul, except for 5 days that we spent at the beach in Caraguatatuba. All in all, we had a great time watching world cup soccer on Brazilian television, eating awesome food and visiting with family. In August we visited the Highland Burrows as well as the New Harmony Burrows clans. In Highland we got to do some hiking and also see the retaining wall that McKay built for his Eagle project. That was quite a project and we enjoyed that memory of him. We were also able to help a little with the landscaping. Christopher and Alexandro helped Ashton dig some of the holes around the house for the plants to go in. The yard was looking quite nice. Later in August Leon and Alexandro visited Mother and Dad and had a great time. Alexandro particulary enjoyed the new above ground pool. Most of the days we were there, except Sunday, he spent in the pool just playing and having a great time. We were also able to participate in a Family Home Evening with Mother and Dad and their friends. It was a fun group.
Alexandro had just started 7th grade and is attending the same middle school that he went to last year, but he has decided that being a 7th grader is much better than being a 6th grader. He is enjoying his classes and really likes his teachers. He continues to take piano lessons and also practices his electric guitar. One of his favorite activities this summer was a going to a weeklong summer camp on how to make stop-action movies at a local TV station.
Christopher is now in 10th grade and continues to enjoy high school. He has some tough classes, but still has a fun time learning the material. He enjoys his release-time seminary class and I enjoy it too since he doesn’t need to go to early morning seminary. He is also on the soccer team and is the starting varsity goalie. As a parent it is a little nerve-racking, but he does a great job and makes some excellent saves during the games.
Ingrid stays quite busy teaching fitness classes at a local gym. Her main focus is Zumba, which is a fitness class based on latin dance moves. She had a great time attending a International Zumba conference in Florida in August. There were instructors there from all over the world.
Leon continues to work at Salem Radiology with this being his 10th year with the group. Time has sure gone by fast. His church calling also keeps him busy. He was recently called to be the Gospel Doctrine teacher in the ward, so this usually requires several hours of preparation during the week, so that the Sunday lesson goes smoothly.
We look forward to reading your letters and feel free to come visit us anytime.
Love,
Alexandro, Christopher, Ingrid and Leon
Monday, August 23, 2010
Evening Out at the National Bunraku theather and Tea ceremony in Osaka March 27th
An evening at the National Bunraku theather
Bunraku is a form of puppet theater unique to Japan. Using traditional legends and plays originally written for Kabuki, the puppet theater has remained popular since its inception. Founded in the city of Osaka, Japan in 1684, bunraku has evolved to be a complex and popular form of theater.Traveling storytellers using puppets had long been a part of Japanese culture, but not until 1684 was the tradition articulated as a distinct form. Takemoto Gidayu formed his Osaka puppet theater with the help of the great playwright Chikematsu Monzaemon and a theater manager and financier named Takeda Izumo. Chikematsu concentrated on adapting kabuki plays for the new theater, concentrating on stories with themes of loyalty and other Confucian values. Using knowledge garnered from other puppet work, Takeda introduced innovations into the puppets’ mechanics, including moveable eyes and eyebrows.
Osaka has been the capital for bunraku, traditional Japanese puppet theater, for many centuries. The popularity of the theater form had grown in the city during the Edo Period when bunraku (like kabuki) was a rare kind of art entertainment for the common public rather than the nobility. The National Bunraku Theater in Osaka is one of the few places to view the fascinating art form today. English programs and earphones are available. Performances are usually held in three week runs in January, April, June, July/August and November.
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea. In Japanese, it is called chanoyu (茶の湯) or chadō (茶道; also pronounced sadō?). The manner in which it is performed, or the art of its performance, is called otemae (お手前; お点前; 御手前?). Zen Buddhism was a primary influence in the development of the tea ceremony.
Tea gatherings are classified as ochakai (お茶会?) or chaji (茶事?). Chakai is a relatively simple course of hospitality that includes the service of confections, thin tea (薄茶 usucha?), and perhaps a light meal (点心 tenshin?). Chaji is a more formal gathering, usually with a full-course meal (kaiseki), followed by confections, thick tea (濃茶 koicha?), and thin tea. A chaji may last up to four hours.
The tea ceremony (sado: "the way of the tea") is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking tea. The custom has been strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.
Nowadays, the tea ceremony is a relatively popular hobby. Many Japanese, who are interested in their own culture, take tea ceremony lessons. Tea ceremonies are held in traditional Japanese rooms in cultural community centres or private houses.
The ceremony itself consists of many rituals that have to be learned by heart. Almost each hand movement is prescribed. Basically, the tea is first prepared by the host, and then drunk by the guests. The tea is bitter matcha green tea made of powdered tea leaves.
Tea ceremony equipment:
Some of the most important instruments.
(Chasen: bamboo brush for tea preparation)
Bunraku is a form of puppet theater unique to Japan. Using traditional legends and plays originally written for Kabuki, the puppet theater has remained popular since its inception. Founded in the city of Osaka, Japan in 1684, bunraku has evolved to be a complex and popular form of theater.Traveling storytellers using puppets had long been a part of Japanese culture, but not until 1684 was the tradition articulated as a distinct form. Takemoto Gidayu formed his Osaka puppet theater with the help of the great playwright Chikematsu Monzaemon and a theater manager and financier named Takeda Izumo. Chikematsu concentrated on adapting kabuki plays for the new theater, concentrating on stories with themes of loyalty and other Confucian values. Using knowledge garnered from other puppet work, Takeda introduced innovations into the puppets’ mechanics, including moveable eyes and eyebrows.
Osaka has been the capital for bunraku, traditional Japanese puppet theater, for many centuries. The popularity of the theater form had grown in the city during the Edo Period when bunraku (like kabuki) was a rare kind of art entertainment for the common public rather than the nobility. The National Bunraku Theater in Osaka is one of the few places to view the fascinating art form today. English programs and earphones are available. Performances are usually held in three week runs in January, April, June, July/August and November.
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea. In Japanese, it is called chanoyu (茶の湯) or chadō (茶道; also pronounced sadō?). The manner in which it is performed, or the art of its performance, is called otemae (お手前; お点前; 御手前?). Zen Buddhism was a primary influence in the development of the tea ceremony.
Tea gatherings are classified as ochakai (お茶会?) or chaji (茶事?). Chakai is a relatively simple course of hospitality that includes the service of confections, thin tea (薄茶 usucha?), and perhaps a light meal (点心 tenshin?). Chaji is a more formal gathering, usually with a full-course meal (kaiseki), followed by confections, thick tea (濃茶 koicha?), and thin tea. A chaji may last up to four hours.
The tea ceremony (sado: "the way of the tea") is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking tea. The custom has been strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.
Nowadays, the tea ceremony is a relatively popular hobby. Many Japanese, who are interested in their own culture, take tea ceremony lessons. Tea ceremonies are held in traditional Japanese rooms in cultural community centres or private houses.
The ceremony itself consists of many rituals that have to be learned by heart. Almost each hand movement is prescribed. Basically, the tea is first prepared by the host, and then drunk by the guests. The tea is bitter matcha green tea made of powdered tea leaves.
Tea ceremony equipment:
Some of the most important instruments.
(Chasen: bamboo brush for tea preparation)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Osaka - Japan Saturday, March 27th 2010
We had a late start today , we decided to sleep in and do some laundry after all the traveling. We had a great Curry lunch in one of the places that was soon to become the kid’s favorite eating spot. This was a tinny restaurant with the husband cooking and the wife serving and cleaning the tables. I had a chicken curry with spinach and corn, my friend Natsumi had her curry with eggplant and everybody else got the curry with the famous Tonkatsu (breaded deep-fried pork). 
We spent the afternoon exploring the Osaka Castle, it is beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The construction of Osaka Castle (Osakajo) started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time.
However, a few years after Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa troops attacked and destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615. Osaka Castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but its main castle tower was struck by lightening in 1665 and burnt down.
However, a few years after Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa troops attacked and destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615. Osaka Castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but its main castle tower was struck by lightening in 1665 and burnt down.
It was not until 1931 that the present ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle tower was built. During the war it miraculously survived the city wide air raids. Major repair works gave the castle new glamour in 1997. The castle tower is now entirely modern on the inside and even features an elevator for easier accessibility. It houses an informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Late in the afternoon it was time to head out to the Sumo wrestling competition!!!! Oh, boy that was a fun experience such an interesting event we sure learned a lot about the rules and different ranks. My favorite thing was watching the people and all the advertising and fun signs. We also enjoyed all the delicious snacks.
After 2 hours of Sumo it was time to explore the night life of Osaka and also grab dinner at a Ramen noodle stand…….I would fly to Japan just to have those noodles again……..SO, SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDD…..
Ramen noodles are very popular noodle dishes in Japan. Chukamen noodles which are made from wheat flour are boiled and put in various flavored soup. Although ramen originated in China, there are many regional sociality ramen available in Japan, and ramen shops are located all over Japan.
Ramen is quite simply Japan's premiere fast food. Ramen is something of an obsession in Japan. Yearly guides to the best ramen-ya are published in all of Japan’s major regions. Famous ramen-ya are promoted in tourist brochures right next to cultural and historic landmarks. Outside these local landmarks, crowds gather at lunch and dinnertime, willing to line up and wait regardless of the weather, sometimes for as long as an hour. Ramen stadiums, featuring five to ten ramen-ya from all over the country, are a common feature on the upper floors of department stores.
Many ramen-ya have a ticket vending machine. To order, buy a ticket, and then hand it to your server once your Ramen is ready he will hand it to you. The buttons are always in Japanese. This particular ramen place people just stand up and eat next to the counter. I tell you the food was so good who needs a chair?????
Ramen noodles are very popular noodle dishes in Japan. Chukamen noodles which are made from wheat flour are boiled and put in various flavored soup. Although ramen originated in China, there are many regional sociality ramen available in Japan, and ramen shops are located all over Japan.
Ramen is quite simply Japan's premiere fast food. Ramen is something of an obsession in Japan. Yearly guides to the best ramen-ya are published in all of Japan’s major regions. Famous ramen-ya are promoted in tourist brochures right next to cultural and historic landmarks. Outside these local landmarks, crowds gather at lunch and dinnertime, willing to line up and wait regardless of the weather, sometimes for as long as an hour. Ramen stadiums, featuring five to ten ramen-ya from all over the country, are a common feature on the upper floors of department stores.
Many ramen-ya have a ticket vending machine. To order, buy a ticket, and then hand it to your server once your Ramen is ready he will hand it to you. The buttons are always in Japanese. This particular ramen place people just stand up and eat next to the counter. I tell you the food was so good who needs a chair?????
After our delicious meal we walked around town went to a bakery and got some amazing cream puffs…….Good thing we did a lot of walking we definitely ate way more than we should. But the food was so good it was hard to say no =;)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Japan March 25th and 26th
On Thursday After grabbing some delicious pastries at Nagasaki train Station we took off to Hiroshima. As always the trains were on time and we had a nice ride enjoying our bento boxes.
Before the bomb, the area of what is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. Four years to the day after the bomb was dropped, it was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities.
The park's main facility is the Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two building, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of August 6; the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. The personal details displayed are quite upsetting. The museum is geared to accommodate its international visitors.
The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standings, and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past.
Between the Museum and the A-Bomb Dome is the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims. The Cenotaph is an arched tomb for those who died because of the bomb, either because of the initial blast or exposure to radiation. Below the arch is a stone chest holding a register of these names, of which there are over 220,000.
Oh my, what an amazing experience to read and hear all about what took place here in Hiroshima and to be standing at peace park… A very humbling experience indeed, so sad…..
Hiroshima is the principal city of the Chugoku Region and home to over a million inhabitants.
When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this unenviable distinction. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius.
After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild the city. Predictions that the city would be uninhabitable proved false. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima's historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, were reconstructed. In the center of the city a large park was built and given a name that would reflect the aspirations of the re-born city: Peace Memorial Park.
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city. Even visitors not looking for the Peace Park will likely stumble upon the large park of over 120,000 square meters. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area.
Hiroshima is the principal city of the Chugoku Region and home to over a million inhabitants.
When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this unenviable distinction. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius.
After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild the city. Predictions that the city would be uninhabitable proved false. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima's historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, were reconstructed. In the center of the city a large park was built and given a name that would reflect the aspirations of the re-born city: Peace Memorial Park.
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city. Even visitors not looking for the Peace Park will likely stumble upon the large park of over 120,000 square meters. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area.
Before the bomb, the area of what is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. Four years to the day after the bomb was dropped, it was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities.
The park's main facility is the Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two building, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of August 6; the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. The personal details displayed are quite upsetting. The museum is geared to accommodate its international visitors.
The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standings, and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past.
Between the Museum and the A-Bomb Dome is the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims. The Cenotaph is an arched tomb for those who died because of the bomb, either because of the initial blast or exposure to radiation. Below the arch is a stone chest holding a register of these names, of which there are over 220,000.
Hiroshima Castle, sometimes called Carp Castle, is five stories tall and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. There is a shrine on the grounds, as well as one main gate. Hiroshima developed as a castle town, whereby the castle was both the physical center of the city and the source of its prosperity.
Built in 1589 by the powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto, Hiroshima Castle was an important seat of power in Western Japan. It was spared the destruction that many other castles met during the Meiji Restoration, and survived into the modern era. Unfortunately, like the rest of the city, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945.
Rebuilt after the war, Hiroshima Castle's wooden exterior makes it a reconstruction with a considerable semblance of authenticity. Inside the castle is a small but informative museum on Hiroshima's history, Hiroshima Castle, and Japanese castles in general.
Built in 1589 by the powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto, Hiroshima Castle was an important seat of power in Western Japan. It was spared the destruction that many other castles met during the Meiji Restoration, and survived into the modern era. Unfortunately, like the rest of the city, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945.
Rebuilt after the war, Hiroshima Castle's wooden exterior makes it a reconstruction with a considerable semblance of authenticity. Inside the castle is a small but informative museum on Hiroshima's history, Hiroshima Castle, and Japanese castles in general.
Just before heading back to Osaka we had some amazing Udon noodles for dinner soooo goood!
Udon is usually served hot as noodle soup in a mildly flavoured broth, in its simplest form as kake udon, served in kakejiru made of dashi, soy sauce (shōyu), and mirin. It is usually topped with thinly chopped scallions. Other common toppings include tempura, often prawn or kakiage (a type of mixed tempura fritter), or abura age, a type of deep-fried tofu pockets seasoned with sugar, mirin, and soy sauce. A thin slice of kamaboko, a halfmoon-shaped fish cake, is often added. Shichimi can be added to taste.
The flavor of broth and topping vary from region to region. Usually, dark brown broth, made from dark soy sauce (koikuchi shōyu) is used in eastern Japan, and light brown broth, made from light soy sauce (usukuchi shōyu) is used in western Japan. This is even noticeable in packaged instant noodles, which are often sold in two different versions for east and west.
Udon is usually served hot as noodle soup in a mildly flavoured broth, in its simplest form as kake udon, served in kakejiru made of dashi, soy sauce (shōyu), and mirin. It is usually topped with thinly chopped scallions. Other common toppings include tempura, often prawn or kakiage (a type of mixed tempura fritter), or abura age, a type of deep-fried tofu pockets seasoned with sugar, mirin, and soy sauce. A thin slice of kamaboko, a halfmoon-shaped fish cake, is often added. Shichimi can be added to taste.
The flavor of broth and topping vary from region to region. Usually, dark brown broth, made from dark soy sauce (koikuchi shōyu) is used in eastern Japan, and light brown broth, made from light soy sauce (usukuchi shōyu) is used in western Japan. This is even noticeable in packaged instant noodles, which are often sold in two different versions for east and west.
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